Blog

What is Black History Month?

In 1925, Carter G. Woodson founded Black History Week to address the institutional oppression and prejudices that African-American individuals experienced within the U.S. The Week encouraged the celebration of Black culture, activism, and post-colonial educational materials that addressed African-American History. 

Fifty years later, one week expanded into a month. In 1976, President Gerald Ford stated that February would commemorate Black history. 2023’s theme is Black Resistance, as racial oppression towards African-Americans is still ongoing.

Support Black History by supporting local Black-owned businesses in Baltimore, this month, and every month. 

Bakeries and Desserts

LaQuicha Brown opened Berries by Quicha to express her creativity and passion for sweets. President Barack Obama and Beyoncé have ordered Brown’s delectable chocolate-covered strawberries. Her hand-dipped strawberries range in flavors from boozy options, like Ciroc berry,  to well-loved desserts, like red velvet cake.

Mother-and-son-duo Aaron and Sandra opened Midnight Confections to share their familial love of cooking and tradition. Their exquisite flavors include bourbon Madagascar vanilla, birthday cake, and salted caramel. 

Taharka Brothers is an employee-owned and Black-run ice cream business that serves its sweet scoops in pints. Flavors range from nutty, fruity, and chocolatey to dessert-inspired. Their ice creams are available in local ice cream shops, as well as local delivery and nationwide shipping.

Breakfast and Brunch

Home Maid serves homemade breakfast and brunch delights on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Menu options include staples, such as chicken and waffles, lamb chops, steak and eggs, and grits. Derrick Faulcon opened the restaurant as a homage to classic American dishes; all items are made from scratch with locally- and ethically-sourced ingredients. 

Originally, Adama Fall studied and worked within the realm of civil engineering. However, he realized his true passions lie with coffee and people — comforting, supporting, and working with people. Therefore, Fall began his career as a barista and later opened his cafe—Koba Café—in 2005. The Café is well-known for its wide array of flavorsome coffees, teas, breakfast, and lunch fares. 

Savory Options and Restaurants 

For fifteen years, Barabara Lehnstein and Dorian Brown opened Neopol Savory Smokery in Belvedere Square Market; Lehnstein and Brown are infamous for their smoked fish, shrimp, mussels, turkey, sausage, and pork loin. All options are available in sandwich and salad forms and are locally sourced. 

Award-winning Alex Perez launched Papi Cuisine to serve Afro-Latin cuisine. Today, Papi Cuisine has expanded into a private dining experience. Perez is infamous for his seafood alfredo, honey-jerk lamb chops, and crab cake egg rolls. 

Magdalena within the black-owned Ivy Hotel is a Black-owned restaurant; however, the fine dining bistro’s first Black executive chef joined in 2021. Scott Bacon is now carefully curating mouthwatering French-inspired cuisine for all to enjoy. 

Mother and daughter duo LaSahuna and Daejonne own Sporty-Dog Creations. Their customizable and create-your-own- dogs are hand-crafted and available in beef and vegan options. As LaShauna and Daejonne say, Sporty Dog is “good food that tastes good.”

And Wine, Too

Nneka Bilal launched Serenity Wine Café in Locust Point to pair wine with a communal experience. Bilal’s café offers artwork, games, and a pour-your-own wine wall, as well as delectable pizza.

Honor Black History Month

We hope you’re able to support local, Black-owned businesses this Black History Month and beyond.